12-01-23

Healthy energy balls conquer DSLK in Düsseldorf

From November 23 to 25, the German Headmasters' and School Boards' Congress took place in Düsseldorf, where we were able to present our experiences and solutions for balanced school catering.

The event provided an ideal platform for interesting discussions, the exchange of ideas and the opportunity to make new contacts. Operations manager Julian Friedrich from our regional kitchen in Düsseldorf and his team were also there with great commitment.

A small, energy-packed surprise won the hearts of visitors over the course of the three days of the fair – the sweet energy oat balls prepared by Mr. Friedrich and his team. These little treats quickly established themselves as the trade fair visitors' favorite snack.

Not only can they be prepared in no time at all, they are also a healthy, plant-based and delicious alternative to conventional sweets. Here we reveal the recipe and what makes the balls so special.

Recipe:
Healthy Energy-Balls

To prepare 20 balls, you only need 15 minutes working time and 15 minutes cooling time.

Ingredients:


  • 200 g fine rolled oats

  • 100 g dried soft apricots

  • 100 g coconut flakes

  • 100 g coconut butter

  • 70 g white almond butter

  • 1 tsp ground vanilla

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

  • 110 g agave syrup

  • 1 teaspoon of lightly de-oiled cocoa powder


Roughly puree the rolled oats in a blender and finely chop the apricots. Mix the remaining ingredients, except the cocoa powder, to form a compact mixture. This is then formed into praline-sized balls with moistened hands. The balls are then cooled in the freezer for around 15 minutes. After chilling, the cocoa is poured into a small sieve and the balls are lightly dusted with it.

Why are the balls a healthy and tasty alternative to conventional sweets?

The dried apricots and almond butter in these energy balls are real powerhouses. Dried fruit is known for its high fiber content. Nuts also provide healthy minerals, trace elements and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Despite their high carbohydrate and fat content, these energy balls are considered a healthier snack option compared to real sweets. This is because they contain no industrial sugar, which makes them a good choice for those who want to reduce their sugar intake. The subtle sweetness comes exclusively from the natural sugars in the dried fruit and agave syrup.

"Overall, these little energy balls offer an ideal combination of sweet indulgence and added nutritional value. They are not just a quick snack for in between meals, but also a conscious decision for a healthy lifestyle," said Julian Friedrich from our regional kitchen in Düsseldorf.

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